Resized nipple in a 45 cal cherokee

I

ircaver

Inactive
Hi all,
This is my first post to the FiringLine and I have a question for the smokepole gunsmiths out there. I aquired a T/C cherokee barrel that had the bolster drilled out too large to accept the standard 12-28 / 1/4-28 nipple size however, it can be tapped to accept a 5/16-24 nipple. I have a concern about the pressures generated in the breach plug switching to a larger size against the new threading in the nipple. Would this be safe to do or should I just replace the breach plug?
Thanks for the advice in advance.
 
I wouldn't have any concerns if the current hole is the correct size to be tapped 5/16X24 that's a stonger thread than 1/4X28 although either is more than adequate.
 
As I recall, TC specifically made a different size nipple that was common to the Senecas as well as the Cherokees but not the bigger brother, Hawken models. I can check the thread size for you if you wish and I currently have some on hand. You will find it hard to fimd a replacement breech plugs, from TC but might find them somewhere else. I sure would hate to go down that road.



Be Safe !!!
 
That's correct all,
The 12-28's are used for the Seneca, Cherokee and Patriot pistol. The 1/4 - 28 is used on the other T/C percussion rifles. Track of the wolf has a replacement breachplug for @ $30. Takes a lathe to properly fit it to the barrel and it needs to be match blued too. I'm mostly worried about putting 15,000 - 18,000 CUP's behind a larger nipple (Max charge limit). Has anyone done this before?
 
Good catch, Caver !
I just checked my stash and it is a 12-28 thread. The ones I have, state that it's for a Seneca and others, that take this thread. Mine are by Uncle-Mike's, Set #2861-0. On the back of the package, it states that these nipples will also fit;

Colt 1851 Navy Squareback
Colt 1862 Pocket
TC Patriot Pistols
Ruger Old army (Go Figure)

I also think I have some CVA's that list the Cherokee.

Be Safe !!!
 
Iccaver

I'm at a lose why you believe that would be a concern. The pressure is the same as that with a 1/4X28 except with the 5/16 you now have more metal between you and the pressure.
 
To Denster,
In pressure terms, a force pushing on a 12-28 nipple upon powder ignition, has an area related to 0.38622 sq in. In a 5/16-24 nipple, that area is increased to 0.49063 sq in. which, just guessing without doing the math, is about a 20%+ increase of force on the nipple area and related threading in a standard 50 grain charge. If this rifle was an Enfield or Springfield rifle at .58 cal. plus, I would'nt be worried, but the smaller caliber of this rifle, pressure spikes are more dynamic. That was my worry. I was just wondering if anyone had done this before and had not shot the nipple through the bill of their hat or worse yet.
 
I have a Pedersoli rifle that was made in many calibers including .32, .36, .45 & .50, all having the same very large base nipple. The nipple and base is the largest for a standard factory #11 cap nipple that I've ever seen and it supports a type of direct ignition with a mule ear lock.
FWIW I didn't pull it out to measure it's diameter but it has very coarse threads, the threaded portion is longer and the flash hole is also larger than other nipples.
 
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Thanks Articap,
That is the info I was looking for, and thanks to all who responded. I'll repost here when I fix the rifle and let you know how it worked.
 
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